NPFL MATCHDAY 1: ABSFC Trash Akwa Utd 3-1

Newly promoted Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, on Sunday defeated Akwa United FC of Uyo, 3-1 in a 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) encounter, at the Kwara Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

Newly recruited Metu Chigozirim from Gateway United FC of Abeokuta, who was voted the man of the match was a nightmare for the visitors.

Metu dribbled through the flank to the defense of Akwa United to cross the ball for ABSFC lanky striker, Mohammed Mohammed who rose above the defense of the Promise Keepers to nod home the first goal in the 13th minute.

Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC

The home-team’s lead only lasted six minutes when Godspower Igudia outsmarted ABSFC defenders to head home the equaliser from a corner kick.

Stone Evbuomwan’s pass to the far left found Metu who again who wasted no time, he drove straight at Akwa United’s defence to earn a penalty after a Promise Keepers defender brought him down in the 30th minute.

Evbuomwan stepped forward to take it and made no mistake to stretch Olufemi Kayode to his far left in goal for Akwa United for the second goal in the 31st minute.

ABSFC Coach, Henry Makinwa made a tactical change before the restart of the second half, bringing in Chinedu Ajanah for Abdullahi Ferinyaro.

Akwa United started the second half better than the hosts but the doggedness of Ernest Governor in the defence for ABSFC was always a problem to the Promise Keepers as he was always on hand to truncate their attacking plans.

Makinwa again introduced Abubakar Chindo for Arinze Oyota, Chindo only lasted 9 minutes on the field before he sealed the day for the Saraki Boys in the 65th minute.

Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC

He picked up a loose ball from Mohammed Mohammed then went one on one with Olufemi before clinically placing the ball in the far left corner of the post for the third goal of the evening.

The Saraki Boys will now travel to Lokoja, Kogi State to lock horns with Niger Tornadoes for match day two on Wed. Jan. 18.